Category: Public Transport Users Association (PTUA)
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MX: Kosky defends buyback
According the MX, the State Government has been forced to repurchase the old Hitachi trains due to dire shortage of train rollingstock. Buying back second-hand “sweatbox” carriages at more than seven times their sale price was good value for Victorian taxpayers, Transport Minister Lynne Kosky said today. Defending the State Government’s purchase of two Hitachi…
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The Age: Tolls urged to cut traffic
The Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission report into traffic congestion was releases today, along with the State Government’s response to its recommendations. The report, which was covered in The Age, has painted a dire picture for Melbourne’s worsening traffic congestion and its recommendations, which included much needed rail extensions and better bus services, rightfully called…
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ABC 774 with Red Symons – discussing the removal of zone three
This morning I was interviewed briefly by Red Symons on ABC 774 in regard to the removal of zone three fares. The abolition of zone three has definitely removed one of the major pricing inequities facing public transport in Melbourne’s east and southeast. This benefit however, in making public transport more affordable, will not be…
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Herald-Sun: Petrol price hike tipped
Amid a forecast of rising petrol prices the Public Transport Users Association released its pre-budget submission calling on the State Government to dramatically improve public transport. The Herald-Sun has reported on this pre-budget submission: The Public Transport Users Association said the latest price hike increased the need for a major boost to public transport in…
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The 2007 Sustainable Living Festival
The Sustainable Living Festival, an annual event held at Federation Square, aims to showcase organisations that inspire and promote sustainable communities. Given that transport, due to car dependence, is the highest household contributor of greenhouse emissions, it was fitting for the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) to hold a stall over the three day festival.…
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PTUA Southeast Branch sets the agenda for 2007
The first Tuesday of February marked the first meeting of the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) South East for 2007. The South East Branch is now a recognised branch of the PTUA with June Whitton appointed as a convenor. Being recognised as a formal branch the PTUA South East will be able to forge its…
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Channel 7: Report on worsening traffic conditions
This evening I was on Channel Seven news commenting on the need for public transport improvements to mitigate Melbourne’s worsening traffic congestion. [flv]http://www.alexmakin.com.au/videos/20070226-ch7-traffic.flv[/flv] Melbourne will continue to experience worsening traffic congestion until the State Government finally provides real transport choice in the form of frequent, readily available, reliable and safe public transport. Rail lines to…
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The Age: A Dad's Army of shunted carriages called up in crisis
In an example of the lack of foresight typical of the former Minister for Transport, Peter Batchelor, The Age has revealed that the State Government has been forced to hire back the non air-conditioned Hitachi trains due to a shortage of rollingstock. The rollingstock shortage has been further compounded due to the withdrawal of 31…
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The Age: Dangerous tracks slow rail speeds on busy lines
The Age has exposed the decrepit state of Melbourne’s rail tracks, amid ongoing negligence by both Connex and the State Government in maintaining Melbourne’s physical rail infrastructure: DANGEROUS tracks and poor maintenance on some of Melbourne’s busiest suburban rail lines are forcing trains to run at speeds as slow as 30 km/h, increasing journey times…
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3AW with Derryn Hinch: Discussing Melbourne's public transport neglect
This evening I was invited to speak on the 3AW Drive program with Derryn Hinch to discuss the ongoing issues facing Melbourne’s rail system. While the Premier had announced a freeze on fare prices for months, this is nothing more than a cold comfort for Melbourne’s public transport users that have had to put up…